Miata diff rebuild ??

[6PAK72]

New Brain Trust,

Last year I shredded the gears on my '91 LSD. So now I have a housing, and a pile of parts.

At some point, I remember I was told you can build a non-viscous LSD within the housing of a viscous LSD. Anyone have experience in that?

My current LSD is starting to lock abruptly, so I suspect I need to get this done.

Thanks!

[paultg]

The early 1.6l 90-93 differentials have a smaller ring gear. I'm not sure I'd bother putting it in your car.
What diff is in your car now? Still 1.6l diff?

Notes:
1. 94-97 cars have 4:10s
2. 99+ car (that had 5-speeds) have 4:30s

You could try to source an open diff and swap in an aftermarket limited slip.

Or you can look for a Torsen setup and swap it. If your car still has 1.6l diff you need the driveshaft, 1/2 shafts, and the diff.

For reference:
I just sold a 4:10 Torsen 1 swap for $650. Bringing it to NJ next weekend.
A 99+ Torsen II swap will run you $800-$1000 depending on age and mileage.
A 99+ open 4:30 diff swap probably cost you $400-500, then you need to buy a limited slip and labor for install.

If you have a bunch of 1.6 stuff kicking around you could probably swap a good quality limited slip into it and rebuild it but you probably spending Torsen II swap $$$.

Or corner WillM and see if you can get him to remember what he has in his inventory.

Paul G.

[jeffw]

I'd go for a later torsen.

Performs better, more reliable and it'll make you legal in ITA